LNG World Shipping

Joining the dots for LNG projects

LNG creates business opportunities in places where they previously did not exist. It is an attractively priced fuel that can be easily transported, enabling profitable business in areas that are difficult to reach.

Installations that power businesses such as mines or production facilities in remote locations, with no access to pipelines, can ship in LNG to ensure sufficient electricity for their operations. Using an inexpensive and efficient fuel can make a major difference in operating expenses and consequently in profitability and competitiveness.

Initiating LNG-based energy production naturally takes some time, as it involves permitting processes and infrastructure construction. However, there are now solutions that enable faster market access.

Floating storage and regasification barges (FSRBs) are moveable installations that can be put in place and fired up much faster than land-based facilities. They are ideal for projects with a clearly defined time frame, and for getting started in LNG-based operations. The FSRB can provide the necessary infrastructure while a land-based permanent installation is being built.

LNG is efficient and more sustainable than traditional fossil fuels. Due to a global surplus, it will be inexpensive for a long time. This makes it an ideal fuel for fixed-term projects and for permanent operations.

Regulation is a strong driver towards cleaner energy production. Renewable energy sources are gaining ground, but are still dependent on weather and may not always be sufficient to cover demand peaks. Gas is often used for load-balancing power, to ensure that there is enough power for both industry and consumers.

Infrastructure

In shipping and in energy production, the availability of fuel is a key concern. So far, the growth of the LNG market has been held back by insufficient infrastructure. If there are not enough terminals or regasification facilities in strategic locations, shifting to LNG is not a viable option.

However, ports now are waking up to the advantages of offering LNG services and investing in terminals that serve local industry and energy production as well as the shipping industry. An LNG terminal also attracts ship traffic to a port, as vessels need to fuel up. By bringing in cruise ships, it can even boost local tourism.

LNG infrastructure introduces welcome flexibility in areas that depend on a single energy source. With multiple fuel alternatives and suppliers, buyers can choose the one that answers their needs best at any given time – be it a matter of cost, availability or environmental performance.

In many regions around the world, the need to implement strategies to increase gas supplies through pipeline and LNG infrastructure to meet demand for electricity and gas peak demand is already on the agenda.

Wärtsilä has the expertise to establish LNG and multipurpose terminals even in challenging areas – for example in Arctic conditions. We see gas as an integral part of today’s energy mix, and a driver of sustainable business growth.

The diversity created by LNG already enables the switch to alternative fuels. By providing high-quality LNG infrastructure solutions, we can offer better reliability, flexibility and profitability to energy and marine customers alike.